A little Christmas Cheer

 

Doesn't time fly! It is a month since I last posted anything and although I have had ideas of things to share I haven't really got round to doing anything until today.

A couple of years ago I tried a technique to create some interesting bokeh with the Christmas lights, I thought it was fun and quite effective but then I never did anything else with it, the lights got packed away and that was the end of that.

I had hoped to do more this year and post something in time for Christmas day but my first efforts were to be honest quite pathetic and I put my camera aside until I had a little more time to practice and figure out where I had gone wrong.

I have two lots of pictures to share; today I have some festive shots of Santa with a heart shaped bokeh and tomorrow I will have some other images with a different effect so if you like these then please look out tomorrow.

The first two shots today are of a Royal Doulton Toby Jug that I absolutely love, it comes out every year and has so many memories attached to it, it is a real treasure.

Pictures 3 and 4 are of two ornaments that sit on top of the mantlepiece, legs dangling overlooking the room, they also bring lovely memories, reminders of Christmases past.

I have enjoyed creating these images today and although they come a little late hopefully they help retain some festive cheer as the year comes to an end.

Christmas Sparkle

This evening I decided to try something different photographing my Christmas tree lights through a crystal vase.

The vase itself was really heavy so it was a bit tricky to hold it steady as well as using my camera. I think the different effects look really good as the lights went through their cycle of fading on and off and as the caught the ridges of the vase.

Tomorrow I will share a few more shots some using a different glass that I will say more about tomorrow.

Getting Festive

So here I am out for a night in Manchester ( here to see The Divine Comedy) but also soaking up a bit of atmosphere around the city. With the Christmas market and the festive lights it really feels Christmassy and it's still November.

The first shot is of the giant Father Christmas outside the city hall. The second picture is the atrium over the entrance to the Bridgewater Hall and the final shot is of the brightly lit Deansgate pub.

Something Festive

Merry Christmas!

As promised I have posted a few festive shots for today's offering.  I have been experimenting with my Christmas present, a 50mm f1.8 lens and trying to create a nice Bokeh effect with a wide aperture and the Christmas lights. I have to admit these are not great pictures but we have had a house full today and so I have limited time to play so for now they will have to do.

In the last photo I have tried a new technique (for me anyway) to get a heart effect with the lights.  I think that works well and I am pleased with my first effort.  I still need practice to get to grips with the technique.

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for my special announcement.